So, he went to His Lordship and asked if The Chair could help him increase his martial arts skill.
Piers: We'll give it a go, Bunter. Shouldn't be difficult, not like changing a trait.
And the session was a success! Piers was pleased for his friend, but Bunter hesitated to leave. There was something else he wanted to discuss with Lord Piers. He just wasn't sure how to broach the subject. His Lordship could be a very private individual, and Bunter didn't want to offend.
Bunter: Beg pardon, M'Lord, but may I speak frankly, sir?
Piers: Well, of course, old bean! We're beyond those constrictions, don't you think?
Bunter: The thing is, sir. I'm a bit worried about you.
Piers: Worried about me? How so?
Bunter: Well, M'Lord. I was wondering why you don't use this brain machine on yourself? I'm sure you could dig that Unstable trait out successfully. Then you wouldn't be having those nightmares about the war so much. Why put yourself through this pain, sir--after all these years?
Piers (sighing): Oh, Bunter, you just don't understand. How could I ever allow myself to forget my men? They're gone, Bunter. The least I can do is remember them.
Bunter: But sir! It wasn't your fault! It was war!
Piers: Leave it be, Bunter. This is my choice.
Bunter: Very well, M'Lord. ...I'll respect your decision.
Piers: See here, it's not that I don't WANT to be happy. And honestly, I am happy--content, Bunter! I have my work, my research. I try to make things right in the world when I'm able. Then I have you, my friend, the best pal a man could hope for! And, and--now there's Hera. ...I'm truly a lucky man, Bunter!
Bunter: So Miss Vale and you are that close, are you? I was beginning to sense that, sir. She's a fine woman.
Piers (straightening his back): I'm going to ask her to marry me, Bunter! I think she might accept me now. I just need to gather my courage to brave the task!
Bunter: I...see. Congratulations, sir. I wish you the best.
Piers: Well, don't look so morose, Bunter! Hera's very fond of you, old man! It's not like you'll be losing your position. I hope to god you won't think of leaving!
Bunter: Of course not, M'Lord. I'll be here as long as you need me.
Piers: Well, then. I think that settles everything on your mind now, eh?
Bunter: Yes, sir.
_____
And yet, Bunter's mind was NOT settled. He tried to open himself up to His Lordship's ideas, but the only thing he understood was that Lord Piers and he were two different men. And His Lordship was the better of the two.
Ah well, a man could only go with his own strengths, work with the lot in life he'd been given. Bunter released his unease and let himself go.
Suddenly, he felt light, aware of energy around him. And somewhere out in Rinn Fada, the ether stirred. Bunter focused and led his body toward that intriguing tremor.
Well, wouldn't you know it! Bunter laughed ruefully. No, he was NOT His Lordship!
Bunter: Ruth! I was thinking about you...and here you are!
Bunter: What are you doing at the library of all places?
Ruth: I'm here with my sister and her friends.
Bunter: You have a sister?
Ruth: Mmm hmm. A twin. We're not identical though.
Bunter: Where is she?
Ruth: I'll give her a shout!
Library Goers: Shhh!!
Clodagh: So, you're Vinnie, huh? You've got a bit of reputation around Rinn Fada, Mr Bunter!
Bunter: I hope you don't believe everything you hear.
Clodagh: Ha! Just don't be messing with my sister's heart, Player!
Bunter: It's not like that! I'm not a--a womanizer! I treat women with the proper respect they deserve.
Clodagh: Sure, Vinnie! ...Well, anyway. Just so you know--Ruthie can hold her own. She's a fighter, Mr Bunter. So--you've been warned!
Clodagh: We're all fighters, Vinnie! Me and my friends...and Ruthie too!
Bunter: That so?
The BFF with the bunny hood: Yah! That's so!
Ruth: (laughs)
Bunter: (smiles)
After Clodagh and her sidekick left, Bunter considered Ruth. Being the Perceptive man he was, he felt there was more to Ruth than rebel Goth girl. And her sister. He definitely wanted to find out more about her! ...But that would all have to wait. Once again, work called him. What an annoyance! Just when things were getting interesting...
_____
Meanwhile, His Lordship was gathering his courage for the "task" of proposing to Hera. Maybe he could keep Hera in a receptive mood...
Piers woke before Hera that morning. He was having a panic attack--couldn't breathe!
Piers: Oh god! She's going to say no! Oh god! Maybe I should wait? No, no! Gotta do it! Let me think...how...what should I say? ...OH GOD!!
_____
A little later, but bright and early on Love Day, Bunter tracked down the McCormack twins' apartment. There was a mystery with those two. He could feel it in his blood!
